A bus stop bench in Cambridge is now famous for all the wrong reasons, causing both confusion and complaints amongst local residents. This new addition on Mount Auburn Street was set up late last year but with its back to the steet, giving a clear view of a hedge rather than oncoming buses. The odd placement has drawn comparisons to nonsensical situations, like "going to the movie theater and having it face away from the screen," MBTA rider Arthur Hughes told WHDH.
The curious case of the back-to-front bench was a mistake, according to city officials. Instead of offering a practical perch for riders of the MBTA’s 71 and 73 buses, it stood as a monument to municipal error. A city employee is to blame for incorrectly marking the spot for the backward bench, a spokesperson admitted, promising a remedy as soon as the weather allows for it. In their statement, the city assured that while some benches are intentionally installed facing away for spatial reasons, the misplaced fixture on Mt. Auburn Street was not intentional. This account of municipal mix-up was further chronicled by WHDH as well.
The backward bench wasn't just an eyesore, it became a source of immediate grievances from residents who had been anticipating a much-needed upgrade to their public transit experience. Intended to provide a restful spot for commuters, the bench instead sparked bewilderment and near-instant backlash for its impractical positioning.
Details about the bench’s incorrect installation and the city’s plan to correct this urban planning blunder were also reported by The Boston Globe, signifying the news has caught the eye—and the ire—of the local community. For now, Cambridge commuters are left with a curious choice, to take a seat and miss their ride, or stand and stay vigilant for the bus that zips by on its route to Belmont or Watertown.
